Memphis Sun Mafia Band

HENRY JAMES

Bassist

Henry has been playing in various popular bands throughout the local music scene in New England since 1978. He’s a self-taught musician, known for a solid groove, impeccable timing and has shown himself to be proficient in many genres of music. Henry is well-loved and respected in the region for his musicianship and presents the series “Bass-Hacks” on his YouTube channel.

JAMES THOMAS

Drummer

James has a lifetime of drumming experience, attending both Berklee College of Music, and Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, CA. He currently owns and runs the day to day operations at The Drum Academy in Leominster instructing over 40 students weekly. He has performed in a plethora of musical situations including blues, jazz, funk, rock, country, Motown R&B, concert band, orchestra, and popular musicals. He has performed with legendary groups The Temptations and The Supremes and is currently the engine that drives the Memphis Sun Mafia.

VLAD ODESSA

Pianist/Keyboardist

Vlad expressed his interest in playing piano the first time when he was 5. Since then, music has become a lifelong endeavor. He received his formal music training in his hometown in Ukraine. Living with his parents in Budapest, Hungary in the 80s’ Vlad got a full appreciation for rock n’ roll, hard rock, and heavy metal. He satisfied his musical passion by being a part of a student band, and later military college band, also earning his Bachelor in Journalism. After moving to the United States in 2004, Vlad has worked with many bands and projects including, “A Night of Zeppelin.” Being a part of the Memphis Sun Mafia is an opportunity to reveal a full appreciation for the music created by Elvis Presley, and to work with other great musicians inspired by the King of Rock n’ Roll.

JOHN SCOTTI

Lead Guitarist

A seasoned musician, John boasts extensive experience as a guitarist in both tribute and original bands across New York, Colorado, and Massachusetts. Having toured nationally and internationally, Scotti is not only a versatile performer but also a skilled recording engineer and producer. Currently, Scotti holds a key role as an educator at Berklee College of Music, actively shaping curriculum for Berklee Online. His dual career underscores a commitment to both music performance and education. From diverse music scenes to the global stage, John Scotti's journey highlights his dedication to the craft and his pivotal role in preserving the iconic sound of Elvis Presley.

KYLEIGH ARENAS

Vocalist

Kyleigh is a talented and versatile soprano vocalist who grew up loving and listening to all kinds of music, including Elvis Presley. She attended the School of Rock for seven years where she both took lessons as well as performed in their show-team. She now works as a vocal coach for all ages at the school! Kyleigh has a strong love for music and the Memphis Sun Mafia band.

EMILY SANDBERG

Vocalist

Emily is a trained and experienced vocalist with a soprano range. She has sung in choir ensembles, as well as writing and recording her own music. She is also a talented ukulele and guitar player and is currently in college at Fitchburg State University, majoring in business marketing and minoring in music performance.  

CHRIS RYAN

Trombonist

Chris began playing at an early age and attended Berkeley College of Music. He has vast experience in a wide variety of playing situations including classical wind groups, jazz combos, big bands, and marching bands, but his true passion is rock, funk and soul. Chris can be found playing regularly throughout New England with funk & soul band, Wicked Betty & the Bad Habits and the Memphis Sun Mafia.

TOM SANTOLUCITO

Tenor & Baritone Saxophones & Flute

Tom has been playing the saxophone since the age of ten and has over 30 years of experience as a working saxophonist, performing with numerous local funk, R&B, Blues, Rock, Jazz, function and other bands. In addition to playing sax, Tom ‘doubles’ on other woodwind instruments and arranges for horn sections.

PAUL TOMASHEFSKY

Trumpet

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Paul received his Bachelors degree in Music Education from the Berklee College of Music, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the director of the Bentley College Jazz Ensemble in Waltham, MA from 1985 until 1996. During that time, he initiated an inter-collegiate jazz festival exchange program between Berklee College, M.I.T., Boston University, Harvard University, and the Worcester Polytechnic Institute jazz departments. He was on the music faculty of the Westborough Public Schools Fine Arts / Music Department (1989-2020). Before moving to central Massachusetts, he held teaching positions in the East Boston, Newton, Malden, Duxbury, Wellesley, and Dedham public school systems. As a performer, he is a recognized "Yamaha" Band Instrument Co. Trumpet Artist since 1988. He is currently active as a free-lance performer with such local groups as The Fantasy Big Band, and the Double Take Jazz Combo, as well as Dan Fontaine's Memphis Sun Mafia. Past performances and recording credits include: Jordan Valentine & The Sunday Saints, A Decade of Soul, Quintessential Brass, Bobby Rydell, The Four Tops, Jacques D’Amboise and the National Dance Institute, Harvard University's (Hasty Pudding Theatrical Society) and his own Spectrum Jazz Quintet.